Gian Carlo Minardi “FDA will train next Ferrari driver”

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In these weeks, news at Ferrari are certainly not missed, thanks to a series of announcements, linked to the arrival of Mexican Esteban Gutierrez as third driver and test driver, followed by a strong organization’s renewal and, last but not least, Jean–Eric Vergne’s welcome as test driver to attend the activities of  car’s development with simulator. Gutierrez comes directly from Sauber, while the Frenchman has been forced to say good-bye to Toro Rosso racing team, giving place to Carlos Sainz Jr.

After these announcements, newspapers’ controversies about the FDA project are not missed, marking Gutierrez’ arrival as a defeat. Gian Carlo Minardi is not of the same opinion, being always very sensitive to young growth. “I would be easy to issue judgments against Ferrari Driver Academy. At this moment, FDA project will go on with Raffaele Marciello, Antonio Fuoco, Lance Stroll and Guan Yu Zhou. Esteban arrival doesn’t affect FDA work. It’s essentially a question of economic-financial nature“, the manager from Faenza comments on www.minardi.it. “It’s linked to one of the strongest groups in the world referring to Slim. As in many other companies, even Ferrari didn’t want to miss this chance. Today the role of “third driver” is a word that “fills the mouth”, but if we analyze the facts, it’s very restrictive, especially in top racing teams like Ferrari, which does not rely on the test/third driver for Friday morning practice sessions.

I am certain that FDA will train next Ferrari driver. I really believe in this. At the moment, Prancing Horse Racing Team is facing an important change. It’s coming back to Made in Italy. I can just promote this direction and support it completely. I’ve always maintained that nothing missed in Maranello. However, there was need to intervene in delicate areas“.

Therefore, the project began in 2010 with ACI and Scuola Federale will go on, linked to growth and training of young drivers. “Aci continues its commitment to the creation of a team called Nazionale Azzurra di Velocità, as already exists in Rally. So, we will have to deal with Ferrari and FDA to promote and sponsor any initiative, with the only purpose of bringing as forward as possible our guys. I don’t gamble the word “Formula 1”, because in that case there are also other parameters, not only related to sports results“, Gian Carlo Minardi concludes. “Do not forget that car racing is an expensive sport, related to business“.

Merry Christmas and Happy 2015

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It’s ended a year full of emotions for Formula 1 World Championship. A departure among so much criticism and doubts that, however, let us experience a championship always evolving, despite the introduction of many technical news. A season in which, outside F1, we heard the National Anthem playing several times, inside and outside the national borders, thanks to the successes of our guys, engaged in the major Championships. 2014 is archived with the successes of Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton, together with Ferrari Constructors’ Championship victory with Gimmi Bruni, the revolution and redefinition of Ferrari’s organization and the birth of Formula 4, with ACI and Italy that have been the open track for this newborn world-wide Formula.

Waiting for 2015 full of those results that are within the reach of our Constructors and Drivers,

Best Wishes to all of you, Happy Holidays.

Gian Carlo, Giovanni, Giuseppe, Ferdinando Minardi and Minardi.it Press Office.

Formula 1, this way in 2015

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With the announcement of Fernando Alonso alongside Jenson Button, confirmed at McLaren-Honda, the starting grid of 2015 Formula 1 World Championship is almost completed. Some question marks still remain, mainly linked to the future of Marussia (now in liquidation) and Caterham (in receivership).

We expect a season full of news, with several changes of teams. At Ferrari, Sebastian Vettel has taken the place of Fernando Alonso, alongside the confirmed Kimi Raikkonen, while the Russian from the Toro Rosso Daniil Kvyat alongside the real revelation of 2014, the Australian Daniel Ricciardo in RB. Line-up completely redesigned for the team of Faenza that, greeted Vergne and Kvyat, is preparing to welcome the young Max Verstappen and Carlos Sainz Jr, from the European F.3 and WSR 3.5, giving birth to the youngest pair of Circus. 1997 class for the Dutch and 1994 for the Spaniard, son of the rally champion. Changing of the guard for Sauber. “Out” Sutil and Gutierrez, in Nasr (former Williams test driver) and Ericsson from Caterham.

Never change a super-winning  team. So, once again, Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg will be the bearers of German battleship. Same philosophy for Williams, author of an excellent season ended in third place before Ferrari and McLaren. Felipe Massa and Valtteri Bottas confirmed. The same applies to Lotus too (with the pair Grosjean-Maldonado) and Force India (Hulkenberg-Perez). But Lotus will change the engine. The pulsating heart of Enstone will be branded Mercedes and no more Renault. At F.I., instead, dual commitment for the German “Hulk”. In addition to F.1 World Championship, he will also take part in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, at the wheel of Porsche LMP1.

Mercedes
Lewis Hamilton
Nico Rosberg
Red Bull
Daniel Ricciardo
Daniil Kvyat
Williams
Felipe Massa
Valtteri Bottas
Ferrari
Kimi Raikkonen
Sebastian Vettel
McLaren
Fernando Alonso
Jenson Button
Force India
Nico Hulkenberg
Sergio Perez
Lotus
Romain Grosjean
Pastor Maldonado
Toro Rosso
Max Verstappen
Carlos Sainz jr
Sauber
Felipe Nasr
Marcus Ericsson

Gian Carlo Minardi "Alonso-Button, correct choice for McLaren-Honda"

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With announcement of yesterday, also the last “big piece” went to his place, in a 2015 grid which will present with numerous innovations: Fernando Alonso is the new McLaren-Honda driver. At the same time, it has been loosed the knot of the driver that will drive alongside the Spaniard. In the run-off between Button and Magnussen, the 2009 World Champion succeeded; he is getting ready for his 16th season in the World Championship.

Also Gian Carlo Minardi agrees with this choice, as he comments on the website www.minardi.it. “Fernando wanted to affect corporate organization sponsoring Jenson. Meanwhile, McLaren aimed at young Magnussen, also for economic reasons. Eventually, however, they have kept them all three. Although it has always been a supporter of young people, I think that it have taken the right choice “, continues the manager from Faenza. “Button can be of great help in the interpretation of tyres, in a team that wants and needs to go back on top quickly. For them, a new chapter begins. They are in a time of great restructuring, with the debut of a new engine. It will not be an easy season for Honda, which arrives in the World Championship with a year less of experience on racing circuits“. For Fernando it will be a difficult challenge as he has already gave to understand since his first statements. “Alonso has clear ideas and knows the real situation. At the moment, Honda is late on the development program of its PU. The Spaniard has always been a team player and his statements are also a way to encourage the team to speed up“.

Lost the position as race driver, Kevin Magnussen will be the reserve driver. “I do not see it as rejection for Kevin and a defeat for the program McLaren young. He remained within the team and will be able to drive an open-wheel. It has been a contemplated choice and the same Honda will have imposed a technical line in the choice of drivers“, the former constructor concludes, “considering the significant investment put to use“.

Despite some question marks, the starting grid is completed with important news for Ferrari, Red Bull, McLaren, Toro Rosso and Sauber. Line-up confirmed, instead, at Mercedes, Williams and Force India.

FIA WEC – Davide Rigon, 2014 Revelation of the Year

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With the 6 Hours of São Paulo, Davide Rigon signed his first season in FIA WEC World Endurance Championship, at the wheel of Ferrari 458 GTE-Pro prepared by AF Corse team. A season final full of satisfaction. Along with the fifth podium of the season, there’s also Constructors’ Title for Ferrari, ahead of the direct opponents Porsche and Aston Martin, and the award as 2014 Revelation of the Year in FIA WEC. “An unexpected award, which made this moment even more beautiful, also because it takes into account the season of all drivers and not just those of category. I am pleased to have been noticed. Ending the first season in Top 7 is not bad“.

In Brazil ended your first full season in GT World Championship

It’s been a tight season, a clear proof of how challenging is this championship. The second part was very good, as evidenced by the four consecutive podium finishes out of five in all. Getting on tracks already known, I could take advantage of the experience gained last year with the 458 GTE-AM. I worked very well with both the engineer and James, with whom I created a very good relationship right away. We worked as a team, preparing the car according to our needs, without looking too much to the #51. The results and the pace of our team-mates Gimmi and Toni, newly of World Champions’ title, were a great incentive. We have much to learn from them. In the final part, anyway, we were still among the drivers that scored the most points and this bodes well for the future.

Last season you drove the last four rounds with the 458 GTE-AM of 8 Stars. What differences did you find?

Last year we had car available with 2011 approval, therefore with less downforce and different tyres. This year, with the official car, the jump has been really important. 2014 regulation, instead, has involved the same approval for “Pro” for “AM” cars. Conversely, in 2015 the changes will be included only on Pro cars.

What is your biggest regret?

The 24 Hours of Le Mans. Unfortunately, we paid more than we actually had to with a mistake of my team-mate. Otherwise, even on that occasion we could have fought for an important position. Then in Austin we had to give up after five hours of racing, because of an electrical problem while we were occupying the third position, when there was only one hour to the checkered flag. But I am fully satisfied of all the rest. We ended the season improving. Even in São Paulo we have done a good job.

You ended your season in AF Corse celebrating three titles: Drivers with Bruni and Vilander, Team for AF Corse and Constructors’ for Ferrari

A great satisfaction, because the title have been won at the wheel of a Ferrari. Both from Gimmi and from Toni I can just learn. We speak of two drivers with a wealth of experience in GT racing. Championship has been amazing and it is as good as Formula 1, considering both cars and drivers. There are prestigious brands. Every minimal imperfection is paid heavily. Details make the difference, together with the experience, which means a lot.

You flew then to Abu Dhabi for Ferrari World Finals

It was a wonderful experience. They welcomed us warmly and everyone congratulated us. For Ferrari Constructors’ title was the main goal and, having reached it, it is a great pride.

Have you been to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi?

It is something fantastic. It was like being in Maranello. All the details are flawless. I have a run on “Formula Rossa“, the fastest roller coaster in the world. From 0 to 240 km/ h in just a little more than 4 sec. Very impressive.

Last challenge: Gulf 12 Hours

This weekend I will fly again to Abu Dhabi, on Yas Marina circuit for Gulf 12 Hours with Ferrari 458 GT3 of AF Corse. It will be twelve hours really tight and very hot. Quite a challenge also for me. I could touch the track only once, during a free practice session at the wheel of GP2 car. We have a winning team. As regulation, we will share the car with a Gentleman.

2015 objective?
Being back at the start in World Endurance Championship with Amato Ferrari’s team, to make the most of the experience gained this year. Now I know what to expect.

The wind is changing

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Despite Formula 1’s starting grid is still bereft of Italian names, something in our Motor-Sport is changing, certainly for the better. The talents are not lacking, as proved by the many successes of our bearers inside and outside the Italian borders.

In past years, the Tricolor has played a role as true protagonist in the top motor racing competitions and now, at last, the wind is starting to blow again in the right direction, also thanks to the programs implemented by Federazione, through ACI and Scuola Federale. “From 2010, through its Scuola Federale, ACI has put on track numerous initiatives, aimed at the enhancement and development of our drivers. Programs, such as tutoring on racing tracks, the internships on Circuits and others, which are starting to show results right now“, Gian Carlo Minardi says, speaking on www.minardi.it. “Our School enjoys the esteem of FIA men, who had the opportunity to touch and appreciate the way we operate during the weekend of the Italian F.4 Championship and the F.3 European in Imola“. Next year, Monza (30th-31st May 2015) will be the meeting point the two categories – F.3 and F.4 – strongly desired by the Federazione Internazionale for guys’ growth towards professionalism. “Unfortunately, more than one generation of our drivers could not enjoy this support, but we wanted to remedy with specific programs that have been refined year after year and to date have been involved even 39 drivers, who have then been able to win out of national borders, such as Liberati, Cerqui, Cheever Jr. Marciello, Agostini, Fuoco, Ghiotto and Ravera, just to name a few. Newcomers, Drudi and Russo, great protagonists of F.4 Tricolore and 2014 Supercorso“.

“Our job is to make grow drivers, despite the difficulties, leading to professionalism that does not necessarily mean F1. The Circus remains the great dream, but there are lots of other realities in the world of motor racing competitions. Eddie Cheever Jr. flew overseas with Nascar, while Matteo Cairoli has been chosen by Official Porsche after starting the season in Formula 4 and winning the Italian Championship of Porsche Cup. Then, we have many guys who defend themselves very well among the open-wheels, as Agostini, Fuoco and Giovinazzi and Marciello, who signed his F1 debut with Ferrari Team during testing of Abu Dhabi “, the manager from Faenza says.

The new challenge is called Nazionale Azzurra di Velocità. “We are looking for necessary resources to support more and better our guys, through the creation of a national Italian team to place side by side the ACI TEAM ITALIA RALLY program,  that will start as early as 2015“.

FIA WEC – Sergey Zlobin LMP2 Champion

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At the end of the Six Hours of São Paulo, last round of this season for FIA World Endurance Championship, along with Ferrari’s win of Constructors’ title with Davide Rigon’s podium and the first seal marked by Porsche, an acquaintance of Minardi Team conquered the success in LMP2 category. Sergey Zlobin is the new Champion in LMP2 Endurance World and the first Muscovite driver achieving this important result.

At the end of the eight rounds of GT World Championship, Zlobin found success at the wheel of the Nissan Oreca 03R of SMP-AF Corse team. Sergey was among the first Russian drivers to cross the iron curtain, to come and race in the Old Country, signing his baptism in the F1 Circus as first Russian tester thanks to Minardi Team. “I have to congratulate Sergey for this really important result, both for him and for his Country. This success arrives during an important year for Russia, having held for the first time also the first Grand Prix in an absolutely spectacular setting“, Gian Carlo Minardi says. “Moreover, I’m also particularly happy, because with my own team, in 2002, a Russian driver signed his F1 debut. I like to remember that in 1985 we were the first Formula 1 team being present in “Red” Square, thanks to Simod’s partnership. Subsequently, in 2002 we brought Gazprom within the Circus and in 2004 SMP Bank. I’ve always maintained that this country, once developed in Motorsport world, would have produced interesting athletes, as for all other disciplines“, the manager from Faenza concludes. “Today, we have a very young Kvyat marked Red Bull, who will be a race driver in RBR next year“.

Minardi “Arrivabene, the right man at the right time”

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With the assignment of Maurizio Arrivabene, at Ferrari the new era has started. There’s will to quickly archive a season full of difficulties, which led to several changes in its staff. Changes that, however, are destined to continue, as Gian Carlo Minardi said in the past: “I have to congratulate Mr. Sergio Marchionne, because the first choice was more than spot-on. Maurizio Arrivabene is certainly the right man for this Ferrari that wants to turn over a new leaf quickly“, the manager from Faenza said on www.minardi.it. “I wish him good luck, as he is called to not an easy job. Despite commitments are a lot at the moment and time is very little, he will have to make prompt changes quickly. In the past, everybody wanted to go to work at Ferrari, but now wind seems to have changed. Maranello seems to have lost “reliability” in its projects, receiving denials from important people who have won so much in Ferrari. There’s need of a man with strong leadership to reverse this course“.

In recent months the name of Ross Brawn was often joined to that of Ferrari. The British engineer could then hang up the fishing rod to embrace again the racing world. “Rumours coming from Germany speak of Ross Brawn ready to accept new challenges, but far away from Ferrari. In fact, it hears about a strong interest on Audi’s side. For this reason, Arrivabene will have to make even unpopular and risky decisions on the technical side, writing a new story, or trying to put pressure on the man that now is the most wanted and requested, Brawn precisely”. With the arrival of Sebastian Vettel some changes have already glimpsed. “In these days, we have seen the German surrounded by Resta and Adami engineers“, both with a past at different times in Faenza (one in Minardi Team, the other in Toro Rosso). Riccardo Adami will be the new race engineer of the four-times  world champion. “Therefore, something has already changed“. Waiting for passing the baton between Mattiacci and Arrivabene, Sebastian Vettel entered officially in “red”, driving in Fiorano with the F2012, working on the simulator and visiting the factory. “I have to congratulate the creator of this political-advertising move. They have been able to draw the attention of media, giving a new image both to Vettel and Ferrari. A move of image perfectly spot-on“, Minardi concludes, “that marks an important turning point within the racing team”.

FIA WEC – Davide Rigon ends the season with podium and Constructors’ title for Ferrari

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Memorable season final for Davide Rigon, paired with team-mate James Calado and AF Corse. After the Six Hours of São Paulo, scene of World Endurance Championship’s last round, a stunning jackpot is now completed, thanks to Ferrari’s victory of Constructors’ title, after Team and Drivers’ titles (of the team-mates Bruni-Vilander ), already celebrated in Sakhir, one race in advance.

On the demanding track of Interlagos, the 27-year-old Venetian driver together with all Amato Ferrari’s staff have shown up on track with the only goal to give Maranello team’s hands the title of GT Constructors. The win came at the end of a sensational race, finished with the safety car, because of a terrible accident that involved the Porsche 919 Hybrid LMP1 of Webber and Ferrari #90. Davide has ended his first season as Ferrari official driver in FIA World Endurance Championship with a fourth consecutive podium – the fifth of season – bringing the Ferrari 458 LMGTE-Pro number 71 in third place and ahead of the team-mates. “It’s been an incredible weekend. We had the Constructors’ title for Ferrari GT as the only goal. Together with this goal, also the last podium of the season is arrived, at the end of a tight race“, Davide Rigon says. “I’ve always liked a lot Interlagos circuit, because it’s old-style, with a good mix of elements. We knew we had worked well and that the title would be within our reach. It’s the perfect end of an exciting season. I have to congratulate all the mechanics and engineers of AF Corse and, above all, Ferrari. Celebrating such an important victory on a world stage with the colours of the Prancing Horse is sensational, unique“, Rigon concludes.

“Perfect end of the season for Davide, AF Corse and Ferrari, and I send them my most sincere congratulations for scoring the perfect hat trick of world championship. Winning Constructors’, Team and Drivers’ titles in such a selective and important contest as FIA WEC championship is really incredible. And they have succeeded“, the manager Giovanni Minardi says. “Racing on tracks already known, Davide has been able to give his best, bringing his contribution. Five podiums, including four in the last four rounds, are an important reward. Victory missed, but, thanks to the experience gained this year, it will be the goal of 2015“.

Next Saturday, December 6th Davide will fly to the spectacular Yas Marina Circuit, in Abu Dhabi, in order to attend Ferrari World Finals.

Gian Carlo Minardi “It’s nice to see so many young people in tests”

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Formula 1 World Championship has just finished last Sunday and already on Tuesday and Wednesday all teams (Marussia excluded) were back on track in Abu Dhabi circuit for the last few kilometres of this 2014. The cars were transformed into real studies, with the objective to collect more data and information to be transferred on the 2015 project.

Along first drivers, team managers have relied also on young rookies, coming from major preparatory championships as F.3 European (Esteban Ocon and Spike Goddard), GP3 Series (Alex Lynn), GP2 Series (Raffaele Marciello and Jolyon Palmer), WSR 3.5 (Carlos Sainz Jr) as well as DTM (Stoffel Vandoorne and Pascal Wehrlein), in addition to Felipe Nasr (already Williams test driver ), Max Verstappen (next pilot TR) and Will Stevens with a past experience in WSR 3.5 and Caterham driver for last round. Nine are the new faces who have put at the wheel of Force India, Red Bull, McLaren, Mercedes, Ferrari and Lotus. “A good sign for this Formula 1, which, with the excuse of limiting costs, has reduced the possibilities for the guys to show off at the wheel of an open-wheel in top series“, Gian Carlo Minardi says. “I’ve always been a supporter of tests dedicated to young people and seeing all these new faces gives me hope for the future. The top series must return the dream and the goal for all those guys who enter the Motor Sport. In these last two days which closed 2014 and that in part have opened the new season, we saw drivers who have attracted attention in all major previous championships, from Formula 3 to GP2, putting together a large number of rounds. Seeing Raffaele Marciello jumping into the cockpit of the F14-T, as Italian, is a spectacular image, also because he’s son of the coaching project that ACI and Federal School are conducting. Started from karting, he won the Formula Abarth, before standing out internationally in F.3 with the great victory at Spa-Francorchamps and this year in GP2“, the manager from Faenza continues. Over the past two years, however, Jules Bianchi and Davide Rigon (this year engaged in World Endurance with the AF Corse Ferrari) have participated in Rooky tests on the tracks of Magny-Course and Silverstone. “Only with these testing days we can have a generational change in Circus. Talents are not lacking, especially in Italy. The program and the work done in these seasons by our instructors through internships and “Supercorso” have allowed us to grow champions such as Antonio Fuoco and Antonio Giovinazzi, without forgetting Mirko Bortolotti, Daniel Zampieri, Edoardo Piscopo, Luca Ghiotto and many others “.

On the track of Vallelunga it was held the eleventh edition of ACI Supercorso Federale, internship and evaluation stage for young talents of speed and tricolored rally. The young drivers have been involved in tests alternating classroom meetings, with different cars for track category and on different surfaces for rally category. In track category, two drivers has been selected from Formula 4 (Drudi and Russo) and four from karting (Bertorelli, Travisanutto, Cutrupi and Albanese). Among the drivers from Formula 4 the best was Mattia Drudi, while among the four kart drivers Diego Bertonelli has emerged at the end of the four days of competition. “Regardless of who won, all the young participants will be followed in the future, working actively for their growth waiting to be launched the Italian Speed Team“, the former constructor concludes, “as announced by Mr. Marco Ferrari, Director for ACI Automotive Sport“.